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State out of the union : Arizona and the final showdown over the American dream

"Days after President Obama beseeched his fellow lawmakers in the State of the Union to come together as a people, Republicans, Democrats, Independents, "and find common ground, even as we're having some very vigorous debates," the extraordinary effect of Arizona's sagebrush rebellion had already rippled across the country. In the alarming and fascinating State Out of The Union, award-winning author Jeff Biggers shows how the Arizonification of America is in full swing. More than 25 state legislatures have already introduced copycat anti-immigration bills of Arizona's controversial SB 1070. But immigration reform is just the opening salvo-in Arizona, and for the 2012 elections. With one of the most radical Tea Party factions in control of its legislature, Arizona and its growing bevy of wingnut politicians have not only dislodged Sarah Palin as one of the most popular jokes on late night TV shows, but have set in motion one of the most alarming challenges to federal authority in history. The legislature has passed several bills challenging federal authority on gun laws, Medicaid, and the rights of undocumented children to attend school or go to the emergency room. One bill debated in the state congress proposed prohibiting "courts from considering international law or legal percepts of other nations or cultures when making judicial decisions." Another bill required federal environmental inspectors to register with the sheriff whenever its representatives enter one of Arizona's fifteen counties. One Forbes reporter wrote that the bill could be summed up in three words: "Stay outta Arizona." As a precursor to the 2012 election, Arizona defiantly unveiled its vision of a Tea Party America--that may be our future"--Read more...

Abstract:

Arizona has gone wild-over immigration, guns, healthcare, the Tea Party, and vigilantism. Award-winning author and Arizona local Jeff Biggers reports on what's troubling our 48th state, and how a radicalized Arizona has become a national bellwether.Read more...

Reviews

Editorial reviews

Publisher Synopsis

Reason"State Out of the Union is a genuinely interesting investigation into the stark...nativism that has driven Arizona politics recently... Biggers capably documents the extent to which nativism permeates Arizona politics and molds its political leaders." Three Sonorans"State Out of the Union...is the must-read book of the 2012 election to understand not just where we are today, but where we are headed in the near future using our history as a guide." Publishers Weekly"[F]eisty...Biggers unearths some interesting Arizona history and builds a sharp...case against contradictions in the anti-immigrant position." Kirkus Reviews"[Biggers'] extensive evidence gives the book authenticity...A timely book, especially with immigration policy playing a major role in the upcoming presidential campaign." Publishers Weekly"Perhaps no issue captures better what it means to be American than the contentious legislative debate around who can become American. Certainly, that question will be a major part of the November election, and into the fray comes an examination of the controversial policies and practices in Arizona: State Out of the Union." Luis Urrea, author of The Devil's Highway and The Hummingbird's Daughter"Jeff Biggers has the unblinking gaze of the honed journalist, a novelist's sense of image and story, and a prophet's cache of outrage. He stands in my very short list of American literary heroes. With his new book, Biggers shows us he can write anything--and do it well. His aim is true." Shelf Awareness"[A]s a matter of cultural and historical record, State Out of the Union leaves readers with much to consider." Iowa City Press-Citizen"A scathing critique of [Arizona's] current politics and history...Biggers' investigative research and boots-on-the ground journalism -- not to mention his thorough knowledge of Arizona's tri-cultural heritage of American Indian, Hispanic American and European American history -- provide readers with an in-depth understanding of the state's controversial past and present...His historical and political conclusions are the most damning ever published about Arizona's short history as a state." Shelf Awareness"[A]s a matter of cultural and historical record, State Out of the Union leaves readers with much to consider." Library Journal "[M]ixing memoir, journalism, and history, Biggers narrates a people-focused multicultural story of clashing cycles of nativism and openness in a struggle for community recognition, citizenship rights, and humanity in what has become a militarized borderland... [A] pivotal issue for national consideration...[a] compelling reading during a national election season and beyond." The Progressive "[A] sweeping chronicle of Arizona." El Paso Times "As the country struggles to deal with immigration, civil rights and what it means to be an American, State Out of the Union serves as a guide to the cultural showdown that now seems inevitable."Read more...